Asian markets are trading firm on Wednesday with investors going in for some hectic buying, tracking a positive close on Wall Street overnight and higher commodity prices. Hopes of a global economic recovery on the back of the European Union’s move to help Greece get out of its debts and some encouraging reports from across the globe are also bolstering sentiment to a significant extent.

Financials, resources and industrials stocks are among the notable gainers in the Australian market. Stocks from various other sectors are also trading firm. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index is up 96.2 points or 2.1% at 4,664. The broader All Ordinaries index is currently trading at 4,683, up 92.4 points or 2% over its previous close.

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 index had ended up 22.3 points or 0.49% at 4,568, while the All Ordinaries index moved up 20.4 points or 0.45% to 4,591.

Among bank stocks, ANZ Bank is up 3.5%, National Australia Bank is trading higher by 3.3%, Westpac Banking Corporation is gaining about 2% and Commonwealth Bank of Australia is up with a gain of 2.5%. Macquarie Group is trading higher by 1.4%.

In the materials space, BHP Billiton is up 1.8%, Rio Tinto is gaining about 2.8% and Newcrest Mining is trading higher by 3.75%. Bluescope Steel, Orica, Incitec Pivot, Fortescue Metals and Lihir Gold are also trading notably higher.

Among energy stocks, Woodside Petroleum is up 1.6%, Santos is gaining 1.65%, Oil Search is up 2.2% and Origin Energy is trading stronger by about 2.5%.

Shares of Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Co Holdings Ltd are up nearly 8% after the group received an improved takeover offer from Murray Goulburn Co-Operative Co Ltd. On Tuesday, WBC had reported a significant rise in first-half profit and said its outlook is positive.

Coffey International is down nearly 8% due to weak results. The global engineering and project management provider’s net profit fell 20% to A$10.85 million in the six months to December 31, from A$13.51 million in the prior corresponding half. Operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization fell 14% to A$31.1 million. The company has blamed a strong Australian dollar exchange rate and the global financial crisis for the fall in its first-half profit.

On the economic front, an index measuring skilled job vacancies in Australia added 1.6% to 44.4 in February compared to the previous month, the Department of Employment and Workforce Relations said. That follows a 1.1% monthly increase in January.

Among the individual components, marketing and advertising positions jumped 9.9% on month, while metal trades and construction jobs also were sharply higher. The availability of health profession and accounting positions saw significant declines. By region, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania saw an increase in skilled vacancies, while Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory all saw declines.

A forward-looking index measuring the Australian economy added 1.3 points or 0.5% in December compared to the previous month, the Westpac/Melbourne Institute index revealed, coming in at 245.8. That follows the 1% monthly increase in November. On an annualized basis, the index jumped 6.2% after jumping 5.4% on year in the previous month. The survey also showed that the coincident index climbed 1 point or 0.4%.

In the currency market, the Australian dollar opened notably higher thanks to the positive close on Wall Street overnight. The Aussie was quoting at US$0.9008-US$0.9011 in early trades, up 0.85% from Tuesday’s close of US$0.8932-US$0.8937. The Australian dollar is currently trading at 0.9007 to the U.S. dollar.

The Japanese stock market is trading firm on Wednesday with investors picking up stocks cutting across various sectors.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index, which rose to 10,258, was up 210.37 points or 2.1% at 10,245 at the end of the morning session.

The mood is so positive that just three stocks out of the 225-stock strong Nikkei 225 index are currently down in the red.

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After getting off to a good start, the local equity markets continued to add weight in the mid-morning session tracking strong global cues. The BSE Sensex and the S&P CNX Nifty touched fresh highs and were trading near those levels. The bears were bleeding in trade as the bulls were dominating the entire sectoral space of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Metal stocks were the major gainers in trade led by Tata Steel, Hindalco Inds and Sterlite Inds up anywhere between 4.35% and 3.23%. Tata Steel has posted its first consolidated profit in four quarters for the three months ended on December 31, 2009. Stocks from consumer durables, realty and capital goods space were also doing well at this point of time. All the 30 components of the BSE’s sensitive index were trading in the green. Second line stocks were also witnessing value picking from investors. The market breadth on the BSE remained strong; the gainers thrashed the losers in a ratio of 1729:557 while 61 shares were unchanged.

The 30-share BSE Sensex zoomed 227.61 points or 1.40% to 16,454.29. The index touched a high and a low of 16,457.11 and 16,228.91, respectively.

The BSE Mid-cap and Small-cap indices gained 1.31% and 1.20%, respectively.
In the BSE sectoral space the main gainers were, Metal up 2.92%, Consumer Durables (CD) up 1.90%, Realty up 1.76%, Capital Goods (CG) up 1.57% and Bankex up 1.51%.

There were no losers in the BSE sectoral space.
Meanwhile, the chairman of Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC) C Rangarajan, on Tuesday, said that India should move towards the path of fiscal consolidation as the economic growth was resuming.

Rangarajan said that the process of fiscal consolidation must begin now as the economy was picking up again while the fiscal deficit, at the level it currently is, will be unsustainable in the long run. Hit first by the global commodity rally and then the recession in advanced economies following the events of September 2008, the Indian government was forced to take expansionary fiscal policies which pushed the deficit to a 16 year high of 6.8% in FY10.

Tata Steel up 4.35%, Hindalco Inds up 4.27%, Sterlite Inds up 3.23%, L&T up 2.23% and Tata Power up 2.13% were the major gainers on the Sensex.

There were no losers on the benchmark index.
The Indian government said on Tuesday that all the hurdles in the way of the much-awaited auction of third generation (3G) radio spectrum had been cleared, although there was yet no clarity regarding the possible timing of the event. The auction has been delayed thrice owing to differences between telecom and defence establishments on availability of spectrum.

But union communications minister said that the Ministry was yet to receive directions from the Law Ministry as well as the Finance Ministry. ‘There is no clarity yet. I am waiting for directions from the Finance Ministry and the Law Ministry and have not got any from them,’ said A Raja.

The S&P CNX Nifty soared 1.44% to 4925.45 from its previous close of 4855.75. The index touched a high and a low of 4926 and 4857.60, respectively.

Tata Steel up 4.43%, Hindalco Inds up 4.33%, Sterlite Inds up 3.38%, Tata Power up 2.62% and L&T up 2.33% were the top gainers on the Nifty.

While Idea down 0.09% and Hero Honda down 0.08% were the only losers on the broadly followed index.

Among Asian markets, Hang Seng advanced 1.77%, Jakarta Composite rose 0.67%, KLSE Composite added 0.84%, Nikkei 225 surged 2.57%, Straits Times gained 1.10% and Seoul Composite soared 1.66% and.

Early yesterday afternoon, the US and Canada simultaneously released their Trade Balance. The U.S December Trade Balance came out wider than expected ” the deficit rose to -40.2B as imports surged more than exports.

Forex Analysts had predicted that the deficit would contract to 35.8B from its previous reported level of 36.4B, instead the US trade gap unexpectedly widened to its biggest level this year.

Even though exports climbed to their highest level since October “08, this eighth consecutive rise in exports was trumped by an 8.4% increase in Imports (particularly petroleum).

The result of faster economic growth in emerging countries combined with a drop in the dollar’s value is allowing American goods are becoming more competitive and may in fact propel gains in sales overseas that will spur further gains in U.S. manufacturing.

On the other side of the 49th parallel, Canada also saw their Trade Deficit widen more than expected. As imports slightly outpaced exports, Canada’s trade deficit remained at 0.2B, versus the expected forecast that the trade deficit would shrink to 0.1B. The 1.7% increase in exports was slightly outpaced by a 1.8% rise in imports resulting in Canada’s trade deficit with the world widening to $246 million in December from $201 million in November.

According to the Bank of Canada, the combination of low U.S demand and strong Canadian dollar are a “significant drag” on the economy. Governor Mark Carney has pledged to keep his benchmark lending rate at a record 0.25 percent through June to stimulate demand unless the inflation outlook shifts.

Following the release of both countries trade balances, the Canadian currency tumbled against the USD- the pair increased from the day’s open of 1.06651 USD/CAD to 1.0686; however, by yesterday’s close, the Loonie managed to regain some of its lost ground against its US counterpart- closing at 1.06265.

Across the Atlantic, the Euro continues to move away from its 8 month low against the USD, as speculations increase that today’s EU summit will shed light on a possible rescue package for Greece. With the EU holding their 1 day summit today, the EUR increased from yesterday’s close of 1.37336USD to a high of 1.37995 in Asian markets early this morning.

While the Euro continues to rise versus its American counterpart, the British Pound continues to plummet against the USD. Yesterday, the Sterling was hit hard as the BoE Inflation report forecasted low inflation for a long period, suggesting more quantitative easing ahead; the Pound plunged 0.88% from its opening price of 1.57088 to 1.55701, finishing off the day at 1.55974.

Yesterday, the Bank of England lowered U.K.’s economic outlook and forecast inflation to undershoot its 2% target. The central bank Governor Mervyn King also kept the door open for further quantitative easing.

Britain’s February Inflation Report depicts economic growth to reach around 3.2% in the second quarter of next year- smaller than the previous estimate of 4%. According the BoE, the strength of the recovery is highly uncertain and output is unlikely to return to a level consistent with its pre-crisis trend for a considerable period.

King forecasted inflation to exceed 3% in January, but estimates the figure to fall below the target quickly. Annual inflation had exceeded the central bank’s 2% target in December for the first time since May 2009 and stood at a nine-month high of 2.9%. “It is more likely than not that inflation will be below the target for much of the forecast period, but the risks are broadly balanced by the end,” the bank said.

Shortly midnight, Australia released its employment change for January as well as its current unemployment rate. With both numbers coming out better than expected ” employment change increased to 52.7K versus expected 15.1K causing the unemployment rate to tumble to 5.3% versus expected 5.6% and prior 5.5% ” the Aussie rose more than 1% against the dollar and the Yen.

The AUD/USD opened in Asian Markets this morning at 0.87506- after the release of the better than expected employment data, the pair increased 1.75% to a week high of 0.89040.

Any investor can do themselves a immense favor by using a good investing strategy like keeping control of his/her funds- as opposed to allowing an outsideentity direct access to investment monies.

How can that be done? Simple, by using an investor Managed Trade Account.
Essentially an investor’s funds are placed into a trade account, a manager trades the account, but more importantly only the investor can remove assets. The trader is automatically paid his/her percentage of profits, but will never have access to the funds. Reason seems to indicate that retaining fund control equates to good investing via a managed trade account.

What Types of Managed Trade Accounts are Available?
Usually individually Managed Trade Accounts include: Commodities managed accounts, Forex and Futures.

With a Individual Managed Account a broker/trader handles the account individually and of course makes all decisions on trading. For investors with smaller deposits the option to join a pooled managed account is also available.

All managed trade account holders whether individual or pooled can select a risk tolerance. A risk/reward ratio is assigned by the investor according to needs- less risk for steady, safer returns, higher risk for increased, short terms gains.

Investment minimums are usually from 2,000 for a pooled account to a 50,000 minimum for an individual traded account. Many brokers will allow lower minimums for individual managed accounts, sometimes as low a 10,000. Going any lower than 10,000 however could expose the account to unnecessary risk, as the trade account itself may use margins.

Margins will artificially amplify the funds in the trade account for greater market leverage, however the rub is that losses can be significant if a higher risk tactic was also chosen. If an investor has a smaller amount to
invest, using lower risk trading techniques, or a pooled managed account are safer options.

Pros and Cons of a Managed Trade Account
The biggest advantage is in having complete control over the funds, an investment manager cannot suddenly disappear, or hide trading losses. The investor can see everything that is happening and can put in a cease trading order, or can start fund removal if the trading is not satisfactory!

The number two advantage is in having a seasoned professional trade the investor’s account. The experience and expertise of a good trader is immense, trying to do this alone can be a massive undertaking. The investor does not have to be sitting in front of a computer screen and he/she can rest assured in knowing that a professional is at the helm. For newer investors this reassurance is essential for gaining trust in the system

Cons can include monthly management maintenance fees, while not excessive they are usually a set cost, unless the trader waives the fee. Using a trader that is consistently profitable will easily erase any minor traders fees.

Best way to Pick a Good Trader
It will not matter how low the risk tolerances are if the trader doesn’t have the skills. However there is a way to choose a good trader and to know in advance what to expect reasonably in profit!

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A lot of people consider Forex to be a great opportunity to earn money. It is really so but trading Forex efficiently requires certain knowledge and skills. There are Forex market signs, strategies, tools which one should master and be able to use successfully. There are a lot of professionals in this field and to join them a lot depends on your experience. However, Forex is really huge and very dynamic and not all the beginners become professionals since it requires both trading skills and the right mindset. This will help you to make right and informative decisions at the right moments.

To benefit trading Forex you should start with learning Forex fundamentals. There are different courses, books, e-books, websites, forums with the help of which you can get the information required. Moreover there are also such popular tools as Forex robots or automated trading software. These robots are designed to work for the trader automatically and bring profit. The software developers are trading professionals and various experts that invest their knowledge and years of experience into the development of such software. Forex robots algorithm helps to trade successfully that’s why the software is used by experts and beginners.

The robot acts the way a trader does, that is it analyzes the market and different information, buy currency when the price is low and sell it when the price starts growing. The advantages of such robots are absence of emotional moments which are particular to human beings and often become the reason of losses. There is a plan which the robots follow in an accurate manner.

Moreover, the developers of Forex robots provide traders with the customer support system. When you are looking for a software it is often recommended to check whether support system is provided to customers because if you have nobody to ask a question as for the software you will loose a lot of time and money. Make sure customer support provided is proficient and professional, the customer support team is competent and car respond to your problem quickly.

To obtain a software you need to find the official website first, log on and the download the system you have chosen. As a rule, such robots are easy to install and can trade even when the trader’s computer is turned off. If you do not want to install and use the software on your personal computer than you can pay some fee and get enrolled on a Virtual Private Server (VPS).

Along with customer support check whether such service as money back guarantee is provided. It may happen that don’t like the way the system performs cause it doesn’t cater your needs and you will be able to return the software.

In downtown Brooklyn, in an unassuming three-story concrete building on a very valuable piece of real estate at 141 Willoughby St., sits a New York treasure that most pass by without giving it much thought. For those who do stop, their lives can change forever.

That’s what happened to Jessica Rueda. The Masbeth, Queens, resident was walking by it one day and saw the red flags and sign that read “Institute of Design and Construction” (IDC). Rueda walked in to ask for information and registered for the school a week later. Today, she’s pursuing a career in the industry.

The little school, which is actually considered a giant in the local New York building trades, gives training in how to build houses and buildings. Its students go into contracting, building design and running construction sites.

Founded in 1947 by colorful New York architect and politician Vito P. Battista, who ran and lost races for mayor of New York seven times and once paraded a camel down the street to protest taxes, the school has become a prime source for education in the building side of real estate.

It costs $300 per credit, or $21,600 for a two-year degree, about 10 times less than New York University.

“I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to do,” says Rueda, who was 21 at the time. “I was in nursing school because I knew I could earn a good income, but it wasn’t really me. I had no idea a school like this, where you could learn to manage construction sites or become an architect, existed. I’ve always loved to draw and work with my hands. It was perfect, and it I could afford it.”

Going to class at night and working during the day, she learned to read blueprints, understand building code and design buildings on computers. Tough-talking teachers like Kathleen Avino, all of whom currently work in the construction business or as architects, made sure she did her work and understood the process.

“We live in a society of short-cutters right now,” says Avino, a construction consultant who left architecture for construction management and has been teaching at the school for 20 years. “If you translate that to building, you’re going to kill people. I make sure every one of my students understands what we teach them. We may not have multimillion-dollar facilities like NYU, but we offer a one-to-one education. If our students miss a class, I want to find out why. We take building very seriously and understand what it is to pass on the responsibility of working in this trade.”

After taking time off because of a busy workload, Rueda realized how much she loved the construction industry and wanted to become an architect. She reenrolled and found her first job through the school. Now she works as a drafter for J. Sussman Inc., the oldest and best-known manufacturer of stained glass windows in the New York area. Founded in 1906, the Jamaica, Queens-based company did the windows for St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Rueda’s dream is to become an architect, and after getting her second degree from the school, she plans on applying to the Pratt Institute to pursue her career.

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Firms today face a challenging global foreign exchange (FX) market environment that remains fragmented and extremely competitive. All market participants – buy-side firms in particular – are under increased pressure to pursue best execution and reduce trading costs.

Electronic trading in the FX market continues to grow at a staggering pace. According to Greenwich Associates report “Electronic Foreign Exchange: Booming in Crisis,” published in March 2009, the 37 percent rate at which electronic FX trading increased last year was almost triple the 13 percent year-over-year increase in total FX trading volume. Over the same time period, the proportion of global FX trading conducted on electronic platforms jumped from 44 percent to 53 percent.

So what is wrong with this picture In short, the market has reached an inflection point where the very technology that helped fuel this growth is becoming outdated. Traditional FX trading solutions single-dealer platforms and multi-bank (electronic communication networks) ECNs can no longer meet the needs of sophisticated institutional traders. Unfortunately, the challenges that firms face extend well beyond the front office.

Companies are under tremendous pressure to minimize trading costs and increase operational efficiencies firm-wide. As such, the challenges facing firms today is twofold: deploy advanced technology that will allow FX traders to navigate – and exploit – today’s complex marketplace, but do so with an eye towards long-term value and scalability.

The question, then, is what constitutes “advanced trading technology” in the world of FX. To answer that, first consider the limitation of traditional FX platforms.

Single-Dealer Execution Platforms. All leading FX dealers maintain such platforms, based on a fairly standardized ASP or software as a service (SaaS) model. Yet leading institutions and hedge funds can have relationships with as many as seven or eight different FX dealers, which introduces numerous trading and workflow challenges.

First and foremost, single-dealer platforms provide liquidity from only one source, limiting price discovery. Using multiple-dealer platforms to try solving this problem leads to troubles in both the front and back offices (e.g. desktop issues and a tangle of independent workflow connections). In addition, the SaaS model these platforms are based on means they cannot be customized to meet client-specific trading or integration requests.

ECNs. What about anonymous electronic communication networks (ECNs)” Don’t they address the shortcomings of single-dealer platforms by aggregating liquidity from numerous sources” To a certain extent, they do. However, ECNs also rely on a model that does not address the importance of dealer-client relationships.

FX remains a highly fragmented over-the-counter (OTC) market. Dealers are still the primary source of FX liquidity, and the pricing and size they offer is counterparty-specific (based on a client’s credit, trading history, etc.).?? In an anonymous ECN model, banks and other liquidity providers do not know who the potential counterparty is. To mitigate their risk, they offer limited size and “one size fits all” pricing that might be markedly different from what a client would receive under a disclosed trading model.

For the buy-side, the challenge is how to combine the benefits of single-dealer platforms and ECNs in a single trading system.?? In response, firms are increasingly turning to advanced, broker-neutral platforms that can give clients the best of both worlds?? consolidated liquidity and optimal pricing.?? In this model, traders can view and act on direct, streaming liquidity from every provider with whom they have a relationship?? banks, dealers and ECNs in a single, highly customizable trading interface.

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